German football legend Lukas Podolski bids adieu to international soccer with thunderbolt strike to defeat England

Germany forward Lukas Podolski earned praise from the England and Germany coaches on Wednesday after he capped his international swan song with a sensational goal to give the world champions a 1-0 victory over England in a freindly.

Even when winning his 130th cap, Podolski was able to summon the ability to deliver a fairy-tale ending for his international career -- though delivering when it matters is what the Germans are so good at. It is a skill than England must develop, and Southgate is the latest manager to be given the thankless task of reviving international football's sleeping giant.

The World Cup winner captained the side on his last outing for Joachim Low's side before thwacking his side into a second half lead and making his farewell match memorable.

Podolski, who captained the team for the first time from the start, could not have hoped for a more fitting finale to his 13-year Germany career, as he thundered in the winner in the 69th minute to take his goal tally to 49 in 130 international matches.